Dinner Marks Milestone, Birthday

The atmosphere on Monday 21st January, Yud Shevat, was electric. Over 250 friends and supporters came together to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Chabad Wimbledon and South London.

Guests came from across the country and internationally to London’s Victoria Park Plaza Hotel, including Noah Shani, Minister for Trade and Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Israel.

As much as this was an occasion to celebrate the activities of Chabad Wimbledon over the past 25 years, this was also a perfect opportunity to thank Rabbi Nissan Dovid and Sarah Dubov for their untiring efforts and remarkable contributions to the life of the South London community.

Opening the dinner, Rabbi Dubov turned the clock back as he recalled the early beginnings of Chabad in Wimbledon. A special presentation of thanks was made to Rabbi Faivish and Dusia Vogel, who helped set up the Dubovs at 42 St. George’s Road in SW19, following their appointment by the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

This home has become a focal point for the local community and the center for many of Chabad Wimbledon’s activities, and particular thanks were given to Rabbi Vogel and his wife for the moral support and guidance that they have given to the Dubovs throughout the years.

Also honored during the evening were Rabbi Dovid and Sora Cohen, who joined the Dubovs in Wimbledon four and a half years ago. They were thanked for the manner in which they too have become an integral part of the South London community. Their work with students and young professionals across South London was noted as continuing to grow from strength to strength.

Flying in from Hollywood, LA, especially for the occasion, renowned businessman and Chabad activist, Rabbi Mendel Duchman, delivered a keynote address that was humorous, lively and incredibly meaningful.

During his address, Rabbi Duchman noted that the date of the dinner, the 10th of Shevat, was a particularly poignant one. He explained that on that very day, 62 years previously, the Lubavitcher Rebbe was instated as the successor to the mantle of Lubavitch leadership.

Duchman went on to say that it was this Rebbe’s initiative of opening Chabad Houses throughout the world, to serve Jews in all communities, that continues to inspire the Dubovs and the Cohens in their adventure in South London.

The highlight of the event was an inspiring video produced to celebrate the past 25 years and look forward to the future.

The evening, being the night before the 11th of Shevat, was also Rabbi Dubov’s 50th birthday. As a surprise, Professor Stuart Stanton, on behalf of the South London community, presented the Shliach with a gift of thanks and celebration.

In addition, the board of management of Lubavitch Foundation UK, represented by Rabbi Pesach Efune, presented the Dubovs with a silver kiddush cup to salute their 25th anniversary of shlichus. He also conveyed sincere Mazal Tov wishes from Rabbi Nachman Sudak, Head Shliach of the UK.

Throughout the evening, guests were serenaded by the beautiful music of Chabad Wimbledon’s very own musical trio: Miriam Panchev on the violin, Rachel Benjamin on the viola and Rosy Dusheva on the piano.

Guests were also treated to a copy of the latest edition of Rabbi Dubov’s book on Jewish mysticism, Inward Bound, as a gift and memento of the evening.

The dinner was brought to a close by a vote of thanks to the long list of people who have supported the Chabad activities over the years.

In particular, a presentation was made to Daniel Saunders, Digital Director of Chabad of South London, who has served as Rabbi Dubov’s right hand man for the past eight years in addition to running the website, weekly eZine and social media activities.

Len Cohen, treasurer of the South London Mikvah for the last 22 years, was also thanked for his invaluable contribution and on-going devotion to the community.

The evening was considered by the community to be a great success. One guest described the evening as “A magical atmosphere. The warmth and friendliness, the sheer joy and happiness, with so many friends joining with you in such a happy celebration, was an absolute delight.”

“To all those who obviously planned and organised this event for so long, with such care and precision – our thanks and admiration,” noted June and Graham Lewis of Sutton following the dinner. “Every detail was exact and, to our minds, perfectly done.”